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Top Tip
Always go through MyTU (mytu.towson.edu) to launch Blackboard. Any other way you access Blackboard will be slow to load.
Get Started
- Log in using your TU NetID and password.
- Review each course to confirm that content, assignments, and gradebook settings are accurate.
- Organize content clearly using modules, folders, or weekly structures so students can easily follow your course.
- Post a welcome announcement to set expectations and guide students on where to begin.
- “Favorite” your current term courses by selecting the star next to each course name for quick access.
Stay Organized
- Check the Calendar to verify that due dates for assignments and assessments are accurate.
Manage Assignments and Grading
- Double check assignment settings before releasing them, including due dates, attempts, and grading options.
- Preview assignments and tests using Student Preview to ensure they appear as intended.
- Provide timely feedback. Use in line grading and overall feedback to guide student improvement.
Communicate Effectively
- Post Announcements regularly to keep students informed of updates and reminders.
- Encourage students to enable notifications so they receive important course updates.
- Use Messages or email to respond to student questions in a timely manner.
Tests and Assessments
- Set clear instructions and time expectations for all assessments.
- Encourage students to use a stable Internet connection and avoid switching tabs during timed assessments.
- Consider allowing multiple attempts or extended time where appropriate.
Use Blackboard on Mobile
- The Blackboard app is useful for quick updates such as announcements and messages.
- Course setup, grading, and major submissions are best managed on a laptop or desktop.
Accessibility and Inclusive Teaching
- Use Ally to improve course accessibility and review course content scores.
- Provide materials in multiple formats when possible to support different learning needs.
- Use clear headings, consistent structure, and descriptive links to improve navigation.
General Efficiency Tips
- Keep your course structure consistent from week to week.
- Use clear naming conventions for assignments and files.
- Reuse and copy content from previous courses to save time, but review carefully before publishing.
- Log out and back in or refresh the page if something does not look right.
When Something Goes Wrong